Peace camp is a two-day camp for middle school students organized by Fr. Corey that brings the Abrahamic religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity together. These students are led by an interfaith group of high school and college students who lead various games to keep the campers entertained with activities to share religious beliefs. Each small group has about three leaders: each of a different faith. Here, people learn and experience the religions of Abraham and grow in their understanding of the different beliefs. Campers and leaders work together to create new skills that help fight against the hate and bullying of these religions online or in-person. They also experience various talks from leaders of different faiths who explain how to treat everyone with respect and how Peace Camp helped them fight against hate in the real-world. This camp includes the visitation of a synagogue, mosque, and a Christian church.
This year Peace Camp started off at a synagogue, a place of Jewish worship, called Congregation Beth Am. Three leaders were assigned to a group of middle schoolers to guide them throughout the two-day camp. One of the first activities was to talk with one another without any religious interference. This allowed for many to see a new perspective on other religions, their celebrations and faith were discussed. It allowed many to see how religions differed and how they are similar to their own religions. A local Rabbi at the synagogue portrayed how a prayer service would be held, showing the Torah and how they were held. Soon after, everyone would be taken to a mosque in the Turkish American Society of Chicago. Upon entering the separate prayer rooms, one would need to take off their shoes. The prayer rooms were beautifully made, having carpets with well made designs and decorative art on its walls. During this time, many were able to see how those of the Muslim faith prayed. At the final destination, Prince of Peace, a Lutheran Church, the groups focused on reflecting on what they had found out about others’ faiths and sometimes their own. The Priest of the Church explained how Lutheranism was different from many other sects of Christianity. In the Lutheran faith, women are allowed to take on a more diverse role in the Church, such as being able to become a priest. For the rest of the camp, the leaders and campers were able to spend time with each other beyond their religious differences. Games such as rock-paper-scissors were played, with everyone cheering each other on. The whole experience of Peace Camp allowed many to see people for who they were without any prejudice against one another.
Overall, Peace Camp is an excellent way of learning about the other Abrahamic religions and beliefs.
“It was an amazing way to learn about other faiths and our similarities,” said senior Carmela Martinez.
There were many opportunities to reflect and ask other leaders and campers questions about their respective traditions, holidays, scriptures and dietary restrictions. Leaders also had the chance to watch how people of the Muslim faith worship at different hours of the day. They were able to pray in a Christian church, which showed respect towards them and their religion. Participants also learned that Jews use the scrolls of the Torah as their scripture and had the Jewish and American flag in their worship space. The synagogue that they c even had scrolls saved from the Holocaust. At the Lutheran church, they learned about Lent and how Christians participate in it by giving something up, like sweets, social media, or bad habits.
Everyone at Peace Camp was respectful and eager to learn about each religion. This two-day camp is beneficial and refreshing as it helps leaders and campers to step out of reality and enrich themselves in the knowledge of other religions. There are many similarities between these religions such as dietary restrictions during days of fasting, similar scripture stories and holidays. This was the fifth Peace Camp, but a first for many participants. New friendships and memories were made and stories were shared. Many of the speeches inspired others to get involved in spreading peace around the world. Peace Camp is a step to restoring peace between religions and treating others with respect and dignity. Without it, people would not be able to be educated on the issues of hate and would not know the truth about other religions. Peace Camp teaches many individuals to spread kindness and understanding for others and greatly widens their perspectives on other faiths.